The Satsuma Complex

*WINNER OF THE BOLLINGER EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE FOR COMIC FICTION 2023*

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘Funny, clever and sweet’– Sunday Times

‘The much loved comic proves adept at noirish fiction in a debut whose surrealist humour sets it apart’ – Observer

My name is Gary. I’m a thirty-year-old legal assistant with a firm of solicitors in London. To describe me as anonymous would be unfair but to notice me other than in passing would be a rarity. I did make a good connection with a girl, but that blew up in my face and smacked my arse with a fish slice.

Gary Thorn goes for a pint with a work acquaintance called Brendan. When Brendan leaves early, Gary meets a girl in the pub. He doesn’t catch her name, but falls for her anyway. When she suddenly disappears without saying goodbye, all Gary has to remember her by is the book she was reading: The Satsuma Complex. But when Brendan goes missing, Gary needs to track down the girl he now calls Satsuma to get some answers.

And so begins Gary’s quest, through the estates and pie shops of South London, to finally bring some love and excitement into his unremarkable life…

Bob Mortimer was born in Middlesbrough in 1959, the youngest of four sons. He trained as a solicitor before a chance encounter with Vic Reeves in the 1980s led to a successful career in comedy as half of duo Reeves and Mortimer. His screen credits include Shooting Stars, Big Night Out, Catterick and most recently BBC2's Gone Fishing. His memoir, And Away…, published in 2021. It became the bestselling memoir of the year and was named Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year. His first novel, The Satsuma Complex, was published in 2022 and won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize for Comic Fiction. The sequel, The Hotel Avocado, was an immediate number one bestseller on release in 2024. His books have now sold over 2 million copies. He's on Twitter and Instagram as @RealBobMortimer.

'The much loved comic proves adept at noirish fiction in a debut whose surrealist humour sets it apart ... Off the wall doesn’t quite cover it ... Fans of Mortimer’s surrealist turns on Would I Lie to You? or his internet sketch show Train Guy won’t be disappointed. Nor will crime fiction devotees, if only they can get over the talking squirrels.' — Observer

'Funny, clever and sweet – and the "Richard Osman effect" will make it a bestseller ... The good news is that there is a lot of Mortimer’s ridiculousness in all this. Gary loves a regular chat with a squirrel in his playground, and his favourite chat-up lines include, “Have you ever needed to use a tourniquet in your work environment?”' — Sunday Times

'As in his television work, Mortimer conveys an infectious joy in his own oddity, and, as his recent bestselling memoir And Away… showed, there is a sweetness to his worldview that makes his writing gently poignant. And although I can’t imagine non-fans emerging anything other than baffled, those who are used to his brand of weirdness will find that the book works well as a thriller, too. Like Spike Milligan, the only vintage comic whose fiction is still read, Mortimer has managed to use a novel as a vehicle for his distinctive comedic voice.' — The Telegraph

'An offbeat romantic thriller, as if Salvador Dali scripted a Hitchcock film... It's as a comic novel that the book is most memorable. It contains the funniest description of somebody having a bath that you're ever likely to read… But there is genuine tension at times, and I came to believe in and care about the central characters. More than just a tour of the wonderfully weird mind of Mortimer, it works - for the most part - as a novel.' — Daily Express

'I’m delighted to report it’s as hilarious and surreal as you would expect… stuffed with laugh-out-loud moments.' — Daily Mail

'With Mortimer’s self-mocking wit, plus an audio version read by Sally Phillips, alongside the man himself, what’s not to love?' — Saga, Book of the Month

'The first novel from comedy legend Bob Mortimer is as funny, idiosyncratic and full of squirrels as you’d expect. It’s also really rather lovely.' — HEAT, Book of the Month

'Mr Clown Shoes. Lassoo the dog. The corn cob dongle. Just three hilarious elements of The Satsuma Complex – a surprisingly serious debut novel from Would I Lie To You? and Gone Fishing comedy star Bob Mortimer. The stellar success of his surreal and semi-truthful autobiography And Away… caused clamour for a fully fictional follow-up, and Mortimer fulfils the brief with a remarkably dark and gritty tale of sink estate murder, law and order mystery, and honey-trap romance. His distinctive tone and bizarrely British humour sing from every page, with the story swinging from side-splitting set-pieces to moments of real pathos and high drama. It’s a bit unusual, but you’ll love it.' — Independent

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer is a quirky and entertaining mystery novel that blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt emotion into an unusual adventure. Set in modern-day London, the story follows Gary Thorn, an ordinary legal assistant whose predictable life is turned upside down after a chance meeting with an intriguing woman. What begins as a simple romantic encounter quickly grows into a strange investigation involving missing people, mysterious objects, eccentric characters, and unexpected dangers. Throughout the novel, Bob Mortimer combines dry wit, clever dialogue, and memorable personalities to create a mystery that is as charming as it is unpredictable.

Gary Thorn lives a quiet and repetitive life. He works at a small legal firm, follows the same daily routines, and rarely takes risks. Although he is intelligent and kind, he often feels invisible and struggles with loneliness. His world is comfortable but uneventful, and he has grown used to expecting very little from life. Everything changes one evening when he meets Emily, a confident and fascinating woman, in a local pub. Their conversation is natural and enjoyable, and for the first time in a long while, Gary feels excited about the possibility of something new.

Before Gary has the chance to get to know Emily better, she suddenly disappears under mysterious circumstances. She misses their planned meeting without explanation, and despite his efforts, he cannot find any trace of her. While many people would simply move on, Gary cannot forget her. Something about the encounter convinces him that her disappearance is not ordinary. Driven by curiosity as much as affection, he begins searching for answers, even though he has little experience dealing with mysteries or danger.

As Gary investigates, he discovers that Emily's disappearance is connected to a much larger and stranger puzzle. Along the way, he encounters an assortment of eccentric individuals, each with unusual habits, hidden motives, and colorful personalities. Some become valuable allies, while others seem determined to keep certain secrets buried. Gary soon realizes that nearly everyone he meets knows more than they are willing to reveal, forcing him to question whom he can trust.

One of the novel's most distinctive features is its collection of odd but lovable supporting characters. Mortimer fills the story with people who are funny, flawed, and deeply human. Their conversations are filled with awkward humor, unexpected observations, and moments of genuine warmth. Even minor characters leave lasting impressions because of their unique personalities and unusual behavior. Rather than relying on dramatic action alone, the novel builds much of its appeal through these memorable interactions.

As Gary digs deeper, he uncovers clues involving a mysterious suitcase, coded messages, missing individuals, and criminal activities that seem unrelated at first but gradually begin to fit together. Every answer leads to new questions, drawing him further into a world far removed from his ordinary office life. Despite finding himself in increasingly dangerous situations, Gary never transforms into a fearless action hero. Instead, he remains an everyday man who often feels confused, nervous, and uncertain. His ordinary nature makes his journey believable and easy to relate to, as readers watch him slowly develop confidence through necessity rather than bravery.

The investigation forces Gary to think creatively and pay attention to details he would normally overlook. His legal background helps him remain methodical, while his growing determination keeps him moving forward even when the risks increase. Along the way, he forms unexpected friendships with people who prove far more loyal than he initially expected. These relationships become an important part of the story, showing how unlikely connections can grow during difficult circumstances.

Humor is woven into nearly every chapter, but it never overwhelms the mystery. Mortimer's comedy comes naturally from the characters' conversations, peculiar habits, and the absurd situations they find themselves in. Even during moments of tension, there is often a subtle joke or an amusing observation that lightens the mood. This balance allows the novel to remain engaging without becoming too dark or overly serious. The humor also reflects the way ordinary people often cope with uncertainty and fear by finding something to laugh about.

At its heart, The Satsuma Complex is not simply a detective story but also a tale about personal growth. Gary begins the novel feeling isolated and trapped in a life that rarely surprises him. As he searches for Emily, he discovers strengths within himself that he never realized he possessed. He becomes more willing to trust others, take chances, and step beyond the routines that once defined him. His investigation changes not only how he sees the mystery but also how he sees himself.

The title itself becomes one of the novel's intriguing elements. Like many aspects of the story, its meaning unfolds gradually and symbolically, reflecting the strange web of connections that tie the characters together. Mortimer enjoys presenting seemingly insignificant details that later become surprisingly important, rewarding careful readers with satisfying revelations. While some mysteries remain slightly ambiguous, the overall narrative comes together in a way that feels both surprising and emotionally satisfying.

As the story approaches its conclusion, Gary pieces together the truth behind Emily's disappearance and the criminal network surrounding it. The various clues, strange encounters, and puzzling events begin to make sense as hidden relationships are revealed. The final revelations explain how seemingly unrelated incidents have been connected all along, while also highlighting the personal choices that shaped each character's actions. Rather than focusing solely on shocking twists, the ending emphasizes emotional resolution and the value of perseverance.

By the end of the novel, Gary is no longer the hesitant man readers met at the beginning. Although he remains humble and somewhat awkward, he has gained confidence, stronger friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. His experiences have shown him that life can change unexpectedly and that even the most ordinary person can become part of an extraordinary story.

Overall, The Satsuma Complex is a clever, funny, and engaging novel that combines mystery with gentle comedy and heartfelt character development. Bob Mortimer creates a world filled with eccentric personalities, surprising twists, and moments of genuine warmth, reminding readers that curiosity, kindness, and courage often emerge when life takes its most unexpected turns. It is a mystery that entertains not only through its puzzles but also through its celebration of ordinary people discovering extraordinary possibilities.